Tag Archives: Anthill

Thiess to trial Plotlogic’s OreSense tech at Anthill copper project

Thiess says it is taking another step to be at the forefront of sustainable mining with a technology trial involving Plotlogic’s OreSense solution at the Anthill copper project in Central Queensland, Australia.

With the promise of reduced environmental impact, improved safety and increased productivity the OreSense technology scans rock to distinguish high-grade resources from waste, Thiess explains. The technology provides real-time information, eliminating the need for a week or more waiting for testing results.

The technology is also expected to create environmental benefits through lower fuel usage and machinery consumables and a more optimised heap leaching process, according to Thiess.

Group Executive Growth & Strategy, Abdul Jarrah, said the trial aligned with Thiess’ commitment to use technology to drive sustainable improvements for our clients.

“Investing in technology such as OreSense further enhances our inhouse capability and allows us to offer our clients greater value across the safety, cost, productivity and environmental spectrum,” Jarrah said. “Importantly, our focus on innovation will support our clients to achieve their environmental goals as Thiess continues to establish itself as a leader in sustainable mining practices.”

Group Manager, Geology and Geotechnical, Donna Sheehy, said applications for the technology were far-reaching.

“The machine takes around three minutes to scan a wall or mine face area of 15 m by 50 m – if the trial proves successful there is potential to scan dig faces and stockpiles to determine grade,” she said.

“From machine learning we can use OreSense to give us real time assay – saving lengthy lab processing wait times.

“This allows us to increase the average grade of material fed to the heap leaching process which means we haul less waste, reducing our use of fuel and machinery consumables.”

The trial, set to begin at the Anthill copper project, owned by Austral Resources, on April 27, will run for around four weeks.

Austral says CSA Global completed an updated mining study in April 2021 on Anthill resulting in a JORC 2012 compliant ore reserve of 5.1 Mt grading 0.94% Cu containing 47,700 t of copper. This study outlined that ore will be mined from two pits over a 40-month period. Total recovered copper from the heap leach process will be 40,400 t over a 44-month period.

Liebherr R 9350, R 994B shovels arrive at Anthill copper project in line with Thiess mobilisation

Thiess says its Australia team has made major strides to mobilise at the Austral Resources-owned Anthill copper project in Queensland, Australia, following the award of a three-year mining services contract in December.

The scope of works includes loading and hauling waste and ore to meet the client’s growing development and production needs. Anthill Site Manager, Glen McDonald, recognised his team’s efforts, with the support of Thiess’ functional teams, to safely assemble people, equipment and support services over the past two months.

“We’ve consistently delivered on project milestones – safely, efficiently and with pride,” McDonald said. “This is recognition of our team’s ability to deliver and embed Thiess’ principles into how we work.”

He also recognised members of the team in Western Australia who flew to the project to support early creek diversion works.

“As a global business we are fortunate to be able to draw on expertise within and across state and international borders,” McDonald said. “Their multi-commodity knowledge and experience ensured we were able to complete the works on time and budget.”

The Thiess Anthill team is moving into the final stages of mobilisation recently welcoming new team members and a second fleet to the project.

“We’ve quickly mobilised and commissioned two excavators, including a Liebherr R 9350 and Liebherr R 994B, to support the site’s production requirements,” McDonald said. “This has enabled us to commence waste stripping and the construction of the ROM stockpile ready for ore mining in the coming months.

“These efforts are also ensuring our client is on track to produce 10,000 t of copper cathode from mid-2022.”

Thiess banks Anthill copper project work, extends BMA Caval Ridge contract

Thiess has secured a new contract with Austral Resources to provide mining services at the Anthill copper project in Queensland, Australia.

This three-year contract, which follows Thiess being named preferred mining services contractor at the project in October, will see Thiess firstly assist to develop the mine, and then undertake mining operations at this new copper project in the Mt Isa region.

Thiess Executive Chairman and CEO, Michael Wright, said: “This contract reflects Thiess’ ability to deliver value for our clients, providing competitive and sustainable mining solutions across a diversified portfolio of projects. We will bring a strong focus on the local community as we mobilise and undertake this exciting new copper project.”

Shaun Newberry, Thiess Executive General Manager Australia, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Austral Resources to tailor solutions specific to the needs of the Anthill operation. We look forward to contributing our experience, technical expertise and focus on safe, reliable and productive operations to create long term value for our client and the community.”

On the same day as making this announcement, Thiess confirmed a 12-month contract extension by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) that would see the contractor continue mining and maintenance services at the Caval Ridge Mine in Queensland, Australia.

Thiess’ involvement at the Caval Ridge Mine extends back to 2012 when it supported the development of the mine complex, including constructing and commissioning the mine’s coal preparation plant (with Sedgman), the rail loop and mine infrastructure. Thiess has delivered mining operations, since 2017 under successive contracts.

This award follows Thiess securing a 12-month contract extension to provide mining services for BMA at Caval Ridge’s neighbouring mine Peak Downs earlier in the year.

Thiess set to operate and maintain two mining fleets at Austral’s Anthill copper project

Thiess says it has been selected as preferred mining services contractor for Austral Resources’ Anthill copper project, near Mount Isa in Queensland, Australia.

Austral has notified Thiess of its intention to enter exclusive negotiations to finalise the terms of a three-year mining services contract. Under the scope of works, Thiess will operate and maintain two mining fleets, undertaking mining services to support Austral’s copper production requirements.

Thiess CEO and Executive Chairman, Michael Wright, said: “Thiess has a long history operating in the Mount Isa region dating back to the early 1960s, and we’re very pleased to be back. With our selection as preferred contractor, Austral Resources has recognised our team’s specialist mining capability and our flexible approach to meet the needs of their mine.

“This project is very important to Thiess as we continue to diversify our business across commodities, mining regions and services. We are positioned well to support Austral Resources and the local community, with the right equipment, technical capability and operations team.”

The Anthill project is around 80 km northwest of Mount Isa and will extend copper production from the existing Lady Annie Operations.

Austral says CSA Global completed an updated mining study in April 2021 on Anthill resulting in a JORC 2012 compliant ore reserve of 5.1 Mt grading 0.94% Cu containing 47,700 t of copper. This study outlined that ore will be mined from two pits over a 40-month period. Total recovered copper from the heap leach process will be 40,400 t over a 44-month period.